Whether it’s a driveway, sidewalk or a parking lot if you’re planning to get the perfect pavement done, which should you choose? Asphalt or Concrete? What can last longer and can offer you the best results? Does Asphalt require less maintenance or concrete? What should be a more suitable option to add a curbside appeal to your property?
The answer is fairly simple, it depends on some factors. In this article, we are going to discuss the various factors depending on what type of pavement will be best suited for you. These factors are but are not limited to, your budget, the environment, the surface on which you want to lay the pavement upon and many other things.
Read this handy guide to get a better understanding of the two. Hope it helps you make a better decision about whether asphalt or concrete will be the best material for your paving project.
What Are Some Important Considerations?
There is a lot of important consideration which goes into deciding which paving material is best suited for your residential or commercial property.
For instance,
- What is the maximum number of people you can expect walking on the pavement every day?
- Will any heavy loads be transported through these pavements?
- Is the climate of the place where you’re living hot or cold?
- Does the temperature fall below freezing point during the harsh winter seasons?
- How large is the area where you need to introduce pavement?
- What matters to you most – the upfront cost or the durability & performance of the paving surface?
The sooner you have the answer to these questions, the better are your chances to reach a sound decision.
How Does the Weather Affect the Paving Surface?
The first thing you need to pay attention to when it comes to paving surfaces is the weather condition outside? Let’s assume that you’re living in Colorado Springs, the temperatures here can be extreme in both directions. In summer it gets really hot and humid but during the winter season, you can even witness a snowfall or two. So if you’re planning to get a pavement surface done for your property then you must choose something which can withstand these drastic temperature changes without compromising its performance.
Extreme Cold Conditions
When it’s extremely cold outside,
- An asphalt is a better-suited option because it can survive the cold much better than concrete. The material is robust and does not easily get harmed when it comes in contact with road salt which is normally used to melt away snow & ice.
- Asphalt also has the ability to absorb heat from the sun which in turn melts snow and ice faster than it would melt on a concrete driveway.
On the other hand, concrete can undergo many problems. Concrete can expand and crack when exposed to extreme cold. The snow and ice will also take more time to melt on a concrete driveway due to its poor ability to absorb heat. Also, the concrete can easily deteriorate when it spreads on the road to melting snow or ice.
Extreme Hot Conditions
When it gets extremely hot outside, both asphalt and concrete can be affected by the heat. However, concrete is the preferred pavement material because it can offer better resilience when exposed to heat or sun.
- Asphalt can easily soften when exposed to extreme heat.
- Asphalt can also become oily or sticky when it’s driven upon.
- Asphalt will eventually re-harden as soon as it cools down at night.
The constant process of softening and hardening of the pavement can eventually crack & sag the surface which results in costly repair costs.
Which Offers Better Cost Savings When It Comes to Installations?
As far as the cost is concerned, asphalt can be installed at a relatively cheaper price and the installation process can be quicker. However, there is a lot that goes into maintenance work which keeps the asphalt well maintained & up to standard. With asphalt, the maintenance and repair of the pavement can cost a little heavy on the pockets.
Proper and routine maintenance of asphalt can cost around $2,000 to $5,000 per year.
Concrete on the other hand can be installed at a higher price but it requires less maintenance work. The annual repair and maintenance cost of concrete pavement is much lower than that of asphalt, normally ranging from $500 to $1500 per year.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a cost-effective and long-term solution then concrete can be a suitable choice for you to consider.
Asphalt vs Concrete: Which Lasts Longer When It’s Installed on Your Pavement?
If you’re living in an area with a moderate climate and you pay close attention to its maintenance, both options (asphalt and concrete) can easily last more than a decade.
Some people have claimed that concrete driveways have lasted anywhere between 30 to 40 years. Whereas, asphalt driveways are known to last anywhere around 20 to 30 years.
Although asphalt will last less time than concrete, it can still offer great value for money if the maintenance of the pavement is done properly.
Overall, both asphalt and concrete are the best choices if you do not neglect the driveway. With timely maintenance, both types of the driveway can give you a good number of years.
Should You Consider Sealing Asphalt or Concrete?
Based on the amount of foot traffic, you need to pay attention to resealing the asphalt at least every 3 to 5 years. You can choose to perform the sealing process yourself; however, it is advised that you hire a professional pavement sealing service to perform the job.
Seals help keep the driveway protected from oil and gas spills, as well as moisture, sun exposure and snow and ice. To ensure a longer life, you can also seal the concrete driveway. Sealing concrete is not as necessary as sealing asphalt because it’s more resistant to environmental damage.
With the right maintenance and care, both asphalt and concrete have their advantages.
What’s the Most Suitable Option: Asphalt or Concrete?
May it be engine oil, gas drips or even rust marks, asphalt is a dark surface and can hide any stubborn stain fairly well compared to concrete. In contrast, concrete pavements are more likely to develop dark stains and may require a vigorous cleaning routine to keep your driveway looking its best. If you’re not sure which paving option is the best choice for you?
National Pavement Partners can help you make a better decision. Let us give you the best advice in your quest for developing and deploying the perfect pavement for your property.
CALL: 877-572-8363
